The
next step for infantry soldiers with HERCULE, the new collaborative robot
exoskeleton.

At
MILIPOL 2011 a French Defence Company has developed in collaboration with
the DGA (French General Directorate for Armament) a collaborative exoskeleton
robot (HERCULE), designed to assist a human for carrying and handling
heavy loads. The HERCULE project established by the DGA, and French companies
are currently developing an exoskeleton robot to help for the transport
of heavy charge. The exoskeleton could also serve to attend the soldiers
and increase their carrying capacity and endurance on the battlefield.

HERCULE
consists of "mechatronic" legs (combining mechanics, computer
and electronics) supporting a dorsal structure enabling the user to carry
a load effortlessly. It will be soon equipped with "mechatronic"
arms in order to handle heavy loads.

What
makes it unique is that it is not radio-controlled; it automatically detects
body movements and only follows them by supporting efforts instead of
the human. Unlike other competing projects, its patented technology gives
it exceptional performance and compactness

Its
battery life is about 20 km at a moving speed of 4 KM/h. HERCULE will
have the capacity to carry up to 100 kg.